The Rise Up! Glendale Coalition is a group of concerned community leaders and members working to reduce youth alcohol, marijuana, and prescription drug use/abuse in the city of Glendale.
Why we started… 
Rise Up! Glendale began in October of 2020, when it was discovered that Glendale had no localized substance abuse prevention efforts in place.
Rise Up! Glendale works with law enforcement, healthcare, education and various other community-based organizations and volunteers to reduce the demand for drugs through several methods such as websites and social media awareness, education campaigns, drug take-back events, Naloxone and Deterra drug disposal kit distribution, community surveys, assessment of community needs and in-school resiliency and prevention education, specifically tailored to meet the needs of our community.
Our Mission
Unite Glendale in preventing substance use among youth while providing the life-skills to RISE UP to their potential.
Our Vision
A safe and sustainable Glendale in which youth are empowered to choose healthy, drug-free lives.
Get to Know the Staff
Brandi Jordan, Executive Director
After working for a major corporation as a manager and regional trainer for 17 years, I saw the need and importance of preparing our next generation for the work field and life in general, which led me to go back to school. So began my work in the public-school system. I am a certified elementary education, special education and physical education teacher. My favorite time teaching was in P.E., where I was able to combine my personal passions of health and well-being and education to inspire and teach skills for young people to live healthier lifestyles. I thought I would stay in this position forever until I was approached about applying to lead a new coalition in Glendale. To be honest, I had no idea what a coalition was, but I loved the mission and vision of the founders, so after that school year, I stepped away from traditional education to focus full time on bringing our community together to support the overall wellbeing of youth.
Carolina Forero, Program Coordinator (Español)
I recently completed my Master’s in Business Analytics and Marketing. I’m passionate about using analytics to understand behavior, optimize performance, and create meaningful impact. Outside of work, I’m very active and love sports—especially soccer and going to the gym. Staying physically engaged helps keep me focused and motivated. I also enjoy traveling to new places and visiting family and friends around the world. Exploring different cultures and spending quality time with loved ones brings me a lot of joy and inspires my perspective both personally and professionally.
Chesney Cooke, Prevention Specialist
As a lifelong Arizona resident, I have always been passionate about understanding people and supporting their growth. I hold an Associate Degree in Psychology and am currently in my last semester of earning my Bachelor's degree in Psychology. My dream is to continue my education by obtaining a Master's degree and becoming a counselor. When I'm not studying, I love spending time with my family and friends, creating meaningful memories and enjoying life's special moments.
Zachary Prado, Prevention Specialist
I was born and raised in the beautiful state of Arizona and have proudly worked with the Coalition for the past three years. I am passionate about building meaningful connections within our communities, advocating for youth, and serving as a positive role model for those around me. I am grateful to be part of Rise Up Glendale and to contribute to making a lasting throughout the West Valley. In my free time, I enjoy spending quality time with my family and maintain and active lifestyle through fitness.
Rise Up! Glendale in Action
Enjoy pictures of activities we participate in to help our youth grow up drug and alcohol free!
